Costco Street Tacos: An Easy Dinner Option with a Twist
Are you wondering how to prepare Costco street tacos, also known as Kirkland street tacos? Look no further! These chicken street tacos from Costco’s prepared foods section are a convenient and delicious dinner option. In this review, we’ll provide you with the cooking instructions, nutrition information, calories, and more for Costco chicken street tacos. Plus, we’ll even share tips on making your own flavorful Costco tacos with cilantro lime crema, in case you don’t have a Costco store nearby!
Does Costco Still Sell Street Tacos?
Yes! Costco still sells their famous chicken taco kit, which can be found among their other ready-made meals.
While the Costco street taco kit may not make authentic Mexican tacos (the included slaw is more common in fish tacos), it offers the ultimate convenience when you’re craving tasty and fast Americanized Mexican food.
💡 Costco Street Tacos Cooking Instructions
Let’s start by discussing how to heat up Costco street tacos. The chicken street-taco kit advises heating the chicken and tortillas to 165°F (74°C) and topping with condiments. However, the reheating directions provided on the pack are rather vague. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with specific cooking instructions:
Microwave Method:
- Scoop the seasoned chicken into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the chicken and cook for more time if necessary.
- Stack the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds, or until hot.
- Fill the tortillas with chicken and other desired fillings.
Please note that these microwave cooking instructions are based on a 1000W microwave and may vary depending on the power of your appliance.
📋 Costco Street Tacos Nutrition
While the Costco street taco kit doesn’t provide nutrition information on the packaging, we can estimate the nutrition facts per Costco street taco based on information from MyFitnessPal:
- Calories: 190
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 18g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
These estimates assume an equal distribution of condiments among the tacos. Please keep in mind that this information is subject to change, so it’s a good idea to consult your local store’s deli for up-to-date nutrition facts.
It’s worth mentioning that the generous portion of chicken in each taco allows you to indulge in the delicious flavors. With 12 grams of protein per taco, you’ll satisfy your cravings while enjoying a protein-rich meal.
How Many Carbs Are in a Costco Street Taco?
Each Costco street taco contains approximately 20 grams of total carbs and 18 grams of net carbs. Considering that most people consume 2-3 tacos per meal, it’s important to note that Costco street tacos are not suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
Are Costco Street Tacos Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, the tortillas used in Costco street tacos contain white flour, making them unsuitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Do Street Tacos Have a Lot of Sodium?
Yes, Costco street tacos are relatively high in sodium. Each taco contains 580mg of sodium, meaning that 2-3 tacos provide 1160-1740mg of sodium. This amount exceeds half of the recommended daily sodium intake, making these tacos less suitable for individuals on a low-sodium diet.
It’s worth noting that some individuals find the Costco street tacos to be on the salty side in terms of flavor. If you prefer less salt in your tacos, consider adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
⭐ Costco Street Tacos Calories
A single Kirkland street taco from Costco contains approximately 190 calories, according to MyFitnessPal. If you enjoy 2-3 tacos per serving, you’ll be consuming 380-570 calories. Keep in mind that the final calorie count will depend on the amount of each topping you use in your tacos.
❓ Costco Street Tacos Ingredients
Curious about the ingredients used in Costco street tacos? Here’s the breakdown:
- Chicken: chicken, water, salt, maltodextrin, paprika, honey, cornstarch, sugar, peppers, onions, spices, citric acid, yeast extract
- Tortilla: water, corn masa flour, bleached enriched flour, wheat gluten, salt, dextrose, leavening, oat fiber, SSL, safflower oil, mono and diglycerides, fumaric acid, potassium sorbate, calcium propionate, sodium propionate, sorbic acid, cellulose gum, guar gum, lime
- Salsa: tomatoes, onion, peppers, water, tomato paste, cilantro, spices, onion, celery, garlic, corn gluten, xanthan gum, yeast extract, spice extracts, salt, vinegar, citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, cellulose gum, calcium chloride
- Cilantro Sauce: cultured pasteurized skim milk, cream, water, canola oil, vinegar, modified corn starch, soy protein, salt, gelatin, nonfat milk, lemon and lime juice, onion, xanthan gum, natural flavors, spice, low-fat buttermilk, red wine vinegar, cilantro, chiles, garlic, sea salt, salt, pumpkin seeds, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, enzymes
- Cheese Blend: cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, artificial color, natamycin
- Lime Slices
- Green and Red Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Carrots
While these street tacos may seem simple at first glance, the ingredients list reveals that they are considered ultra-processed food. The taco kit contains highly processed ingredients that are not commonly used in homemade soft tacos.
What Tortillas Does Costco Use in Street Tacos?
Costco street tacos feature a unique blend of corn tortillas and flour tortillas. This mixture offers the taste and flexibility of white flour tortillas while incorporating some whole grains from corn. However, please note that these tortillas are not suitable for individuals with corn or wheat allergies.
What Salsa Is in Costco Street Tacos?
While some sources suggest that Costco street tacos use Kirkland Signature salsa, a closer look at the ingredients lists reveals that they don’t match exactly. However, the Kirkland salsa can serve as a close substitute for the thick tomato salsa found in Costco street tacos.
Costco Street Tacos Recipe
If there isn’t a Costco near you, don’t worry! You can still enjoy delicious street tacos by easily recreating the Costco experience at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crider Chunk Chicken in Chipotle Sauce (or plain chicken cooked in the oven with taco seasoning and a little chicken stock)
- Small Corn Tortillas (6 inches/15 cm)
- Kirkland Signature Salsa
- Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema
- Mexican Shredded Cheese
- Lime Wedges
- Cabbage Coleslaw Mix
For the Costco cilantro lime crema, you can either purchase the Don Pancho crema or make a homemade version using the recipe provided on Costco’s website. The website also offers a recipe for homemade cabbage slaw. If you can’t find the Don Pancho brand, there are alternative options available.
To assemble the street tacos, simply heat the chicken and tortillas according to the previously mentioned instructions. Fill each tortilla with chicken, salsa, crema, cheese, and cabbage slaw. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
🌡 How Long Do Costco Street Tacos Last?
Wondering how long your Costco street tacos will stay fresh? While they have a “sell-by” date, prepared main dishes like these street tacos can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days.
🥶 Can I Freeze Costco Street Tacos?
Unfortunately, you cannot freeze all the components of Costco street tacos. Freezing the fresh cabbage slaw, for example, will compromise its texture. However, you can individually package the chicken, cheese, and tortillas and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
🤔 Costco Street Tacos Price
The current price for Costco street tacos is $5.49 per pound. Each package of Costco tacos weighs approximately 2¾-3 pounds (1.2-1.4 kg) and contains 12 tacos. This means you’ll pay around $15-16.50 per package, which averages out to about $1.31 per taco.
Please keep in mind that prices may vary by Costco location, and the information provided here reflects the current pricing as of 2023.
🥗 How to Serve Costco Street Tacos
Costco street tacos make for an all-in-one meal. Once you’ve heated the chicken and tortillas, you can set up a taco bar with all the toppings. Let everyone in your family customize their own tacos for a fun Taco Tuesday experience!
Some people prefer mixing the slaw and crema together before serving, but feel free to skip this step to save time. If you want to make it feel more like a restaurant meal, you can also serve chips and guacamole on the side.
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
As a dietitian, I would classify these street tacos as a level 3 recipe suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. When it comes to determining whether street tacos are healthy or not, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
If you’re following a low-sodium diet or managing your blood sugar levels due to diabetes, Costco street tacos may not be the best choice. High sodium content makes them less heart-healthy compared to other options. However, if you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that covers all the food groups, these tacos are a great option. They’re also mild in spice, making them suitable for most palates.
If you have severe food allergies, I advise against purchasing Costco prepared foods. Although the allergen might not be listed in the ingredients, cross-contact with allergens is possible due to shared preparation areas.
FAQs
👩🏻🍳 More Costco Food Reviews
Make the most of your Costco membership! Don’t miss these other Costco food reviews:
- Costco Mac and Cheese
- Costco Muffins
- Stuffed Peppers from Costco
- Costco Stuffed Salmon
- Costco Spanakopita
You may also enjoy this recipe for Frozen Mini Tacos in the Air Fryer.
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The Disclaimer…
Please note that the recipes on this website may or may not be suitable for your needs, depending on your medical requirements and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician for assistance in determining the most appropriate dietary plan for you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and offered as a courtesy. However, please remember that calorie information on food labels can be inaccurate, so don’t stress too much about the numbers.
For more information on how the recipe levels can support your weight management goals, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let’s get cooking!